[Grover1234]

The situation:

35 years old, lifelong gambler of sports, poker, and occasional casinos.  One year ago I was $8k in CC debt which was an all-time high, but now  i have zero savings and am now $40k in CC debt due to cash advances and also putting All expenses on my cards so that I I can  pay my bookie or buy-in online.  Large majority of that debt was obtained in this psycho past 3-4 months and I just lost another $1k last week after telling mysellf two days before that I was done.  

I feel so exhausted and Alone And feel like a complete mess.  Bankruptcy might be my only option but I am VERY worried how they will view these gambling losses or if I have to prove the Cash withdrawn is gone And gambling  at zero?  I never even thought about bankruptcy until two days ago after admitting my gambling issue to my Dad and him bringing it up.  In any case, I must fix the gambling addiction before I even think about something like bankruptcy.

I have probably sworn off gambling 1000 times over the last 15 years.  Usually it last a day until I’m back on it…but this time it HAS to be different and stay that way.  Unfortunately I have two bets already placed for this weekend NFL games, which I in all honesty hope lose so that the nightmare will end.  i just don’t want to even think about gambling.  

Whatever the case, I vow that this is the end.  This is the worse it will ever get because I know it can still become so much worse if I continue…as I have experienced  it time and time again.  

[jen3]

Hi Grover! Been there, done that, several times over in a lifetime. I stoped counting my losses when they hit 2 million and that was years ago do I can only imagine. 2 Years ago , like you , I had no debt than sundenly had 20,000 in debt not mentioning all the money I could have saved. Borrowed, paid debt off, paid it back only to do it all again…. What I am trying to say is wether you claim bankruptcy or not make sure you get the support you need or it will just be a never ending cycle. Many years ago I claimed bankruptcy… clean slate??? Not so much just room to dig another hole to dig back out of. You will get a ton of advice here. I hope you take and use what works for you. I wish you well.

[Steev]

Well done for taking the first step. That is that you have admitted to yourself and to your father that you have a problem – and that you are talking about it on here. I cannot give you any financial advice. I am still paying off debts years after my last bet. They are a reminder of who I am and that I have this illness called compulsive gambling. It is not an easy option – but I really feel that you will need to do a complete life change if you want to beat this. One of your triggers is sport and I guess you eat, drink and sleep sport – it is part of who you are – and you NEED to let go of it. If it is possible for you – try and get a complete change of your life – even if just for a short time – a sort of rehab or time away from your norm. See if there is anything available through addiction help organisations in your area. If not I suggest you put the time you would spend on watching (and betting) on sports into your recovery. Speak to people – attend meetings on-line and in real time. Watch recovery videos etc. Get support and good advice within your local area. Get a complete inventory together of what you owe and make plans as to how you can pay back, but NOT by chasing losses. Extra work will not only produce more income – it will give you less time to gamble with. I wish you well.

[lizbeth4]

Welcome! Keep posting and reading others threads! If you don’t treat the addiction, you will stay in the same rut! 6 years ago, I was debt free, money in the bank. Now I am in credit card debt and pay a hefty amount monthly to a debt consolidation company. I don’t know if you are opened to GA? You need support. It’s good that you’ve talked to your Dad. Try to put barriers in place, limit cash on hand, and gind a support group. We can turn this around. Recovery is hard but you are worth it!

[Author]

Posts